Embryology of the reproductive system

14 important questions on Embryology of the reproductive system

When is sex determined?

During conception.

What happens in week 7 in the development of the reproductive system?

The indifferent gonads develop (the reproductive glands), which are the gonads that can develop into ovaries (no Y), or into testes (Y).

Where do the indifferent gonads develop from?

From the genital ridges.
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Via what route do the primordial cells travel?

They migrate from the epiblast to the yolk sac, and from the yolk sac to the genital ridge.

What is the function of the primordial germ cells?

They induce the development of
  • the genital ridges
  • the mesonephric ducts (connecting kidneys to sinus)
  • the paramesonephric ducts

Under what influence will the genital ridges form into sex-specific structures?

Under the influence of genetic information.

What does the presence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome cause?

- The primordial cells will differentiate into Sertoli cells and Leydig cells (present in fetal testis)
- The Sertoli cells produce MIS, which causes regression of the Müllerian ducts
- The Leydig cells produce testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- The testosterone promotes the transformation of the Wolffian ducts into epididymis, seminal vesicles, etc.
- The DHT promotes development of penis, scrotum, and prostate

What does the absence of a Y-chromosome, and thus the absence of the SRY gene cause?

- The primordial cells will differentiate into fetal ovaries
- The absence of MIS causes the development of the Müllerian ducts into the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and the inner vagina
- The absence of testosterone causes the regression of the Wolffian ducts and the development of the female external genitelia

What do the external genitelia form from?

In males and females from the same origin, namely:
  • genital tubercle
  • urethral folds
  • genital swellings

When does the first development of the male and female external genitelia take place?

In week 10.

What are embryonic rests?

Embryonic tissue remnants that have been retained after the period of embryonic development.

What happens to some of the female embryonic rests?

The round ligament and the ovarian ligament are formed from it.

Which ligament is in the female inguinal canal?

The round ligament.

What is the function of the gubernaculum in females?

It guides the descend of the ovaries.

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